The New Kia Sonet Just Got Better

14 June 2024 – Kia South Africa has just dropped the latest version of their beloved compact SUV, the Sonet, and it’s turning heads faster than a cheetah chasing its lunch. Launched with a bang, the new Sonet flaunts a sleeker exterior, a swankier interior, and more bang for your buck. This compact marvel first hit our shores in 2021, and it’s been stealing hearts and garage space ever since.

“With its sporty, eye-catching design, high-quality features, and fun-to-drive dynamics, the Sonet has helped make Kia the brand of choice for trendy urbanites with big ambitions,” says Gary Scott, CEO of Kia South Africa. “Renowned for its inherent engineering, quality finishes, and big car attitude, Sonet remains one of the most desirable small SUVs currently on offer. With this first update to the model, we’re confident that it will only grow in popularity.”

Elevating Your SUV Life

Kia’s new Sonet sports an exterior inspired by the award-winning ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. This isn’t just some design mumbo-jumbo; it’s a fusion of nature’s elegance and modernity’s sleekness. The result? A sporty, futuristic compact SUV that screams style.

The Look

At the front, the Sonet gets a facelift with a new light signature, a fresh bumper, and a revised ‘tiger nose’ grille. The updated fender and bonnet add to its dramatic, wide stance. The rear isn’t left out either, with redesigned taillights connected horizontally beneath the rear windscreen, giving it a cohesive and stylish look.

The Size

Don’t worry about fitting into tight spaces; the Sonet retains its compact dimensions: 1,610 mm in height, 4,110 mm in length, and 1,790 mm in width. The 2,500 mm wheelbase and short rear overhang ensure plenty of cabin and boot space, making it one of the roomiest in its class. With a 385-litre boot, you can pack more than just your shopping. Comfort is a given, thanks to a MacPherson strut setup at the front and a torsion beam axle at the rear.

The Wheels

You get two 16-inch wheel design options, depending on the grade. The color palette is fresh, with old favorites like Sparkling Silver and Aurora Black joined by the new Pewter Olive metallic.

Inside Scoop

Inside, the Sonet sticks to its high-quality roots. Depending on your choice, you get either an 8-inch or a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The layout remains intuitive, keeping distractions to a minimum. Upholstery options include a mix of black cloth and artificial leather or full artificial leather on higher trims.

Under the Hood

The Sonet sticks with the trusty 1.5-litre MPI and the turbocharged 1.0-litre GDi petrol engines. The 1.5 MPI churns out 85 kW and 144 Nm of torque, while the 1.0 T-GDi kicks up 88 kW and 172 Nm of torque. Gearbox options include a 5-speed manual or CVT for the 1.5-litre engine and a 7-speed DCT for the 1.0 T-GDi.

Grades and Gadgets

The Sonet LX

The LX model keeps it real with body-colored bumpers, new 16-inch styled wheels, and a black cloth/artificial leather combo for the seats. It’s got all the basics covered with electric windows, manual air-con, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with reverse camera, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Sonet EX

Building on the LX, the EX adds rear parking sensors, LED lighting updates, and roof rails. Inside, you get a storage box with an integrated armrest, leather cladding on the steering wheel and gear shifter, and conventional cruise control.

The Sonet EX Plus

The EX Plus kicks it up a notch with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, full artificial leather upholstery, an electrochromatic rearview mirror, and a wireless charging pad. On the outside, it sports 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheels.

The Sonet SX

The SX is the cream of the crop, featuring Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like Blind Spot Collision Avoidance, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Follow Assist, and Forward Collision Avoidance. It also offers Drive Mode Select with Comfort, Eco, Sport, or Smart modes.

Big Car Value

Kia’s new Sonet is poised to dominate the A-SUV segment with its blend of style, practicality, and advanced features. It’s all about quality and value, making it a top pick for those who want more without paying more.

Pricing

• Kia Sonet 1.5 LX Manual: R 366,995

• Kia Sonet 1.5 LX CVT: R 391,995

• Kia Sonet 1.5 EX CVT: R 411,995

• Kia Sonet 1.0 T-GDi EX DCT: R 436,995

• Kia Sonet 1.5 EX Plus CVT: R 454,995

• Kia Sonet 1.5 SX CVT: R 484,995

All models come with Kia’s Unlimited Kilometre/5-year warranty and a 4-year/60,000 km service plan.

Ready to elevate your ride? The new Kia Sonet is here to take your SUV game to the next level.

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